Chapter 23: Silent Pawn
Jack’s POV
I watched Anna’s dismissive expression, a nameless anger rising in my chest. How could she invite my uncle to her grandmother’s birthday celebration but not me? Her former husband? The realization stung deeper than I expected.
"What are you talking about?" she asked, feigning ignorance. That only fueled my irritation.
"The invitation," I said flatly, my gaze locked on hers. "I see the Simpson family didn’t make the cut."
She hesitated, then blinked in disbelief, as if I’d asked the most absurd question imaginable.
"Why would I invite the Simpson family?" Her voice dripped with cool mockery. "Have you ever heard of someone staying close with their ex-husband’s family after a divorce?"
Her words hit hard, leaving me momentarily speechless. This woman who now acted like I didn’t exist seemed oddly close to my uncle. I couldn’t hold it in anymore.
"Then why invite him?" I demanded. "Are you two close now?"
"Very," she said without missing a beat. "Uncle Marcus has helped me tremendously. Is there something wrong with me inviting him?"
I froze.
Tremendously?
They’d been spending time together privately? That hollow ache in my chest returned, mingled with jealousy and something darker. She used to be my wife. Now she was growing close to my uncle?